Heirloom Tissue Packet

Hello sewing friends!
I’m teaching a monthly Serger Club at our local Bernina dealer this year.
Once a month we meet to learn new techniques that apply to a take home project.
Our project for March is an Heirloom Tissue Packet.

Our technique focus for March will be heirloom techniques.
We will learn how to sew entredeux to embroidered insertion,
how to sew entredeux to fabric,
how to sew lace insertion to lace insertion,
and how to sew lace insertion to fabric.
Yay!!!
Sewing classes on heirloom techniques are hard to come by in our area,
and heirloom classes using a serger are pretty much unheard of.
I’m so very excited for our March class.
I purchased the entredeux, embroidered insertion, lace insertion, ribbon, and
gingham fabric for these samples from Chadwick Heirlooms in Virginia.
And of course, since I’m a Martha Pullen licensed serger instructor, we will use a
Martha Pullen pattern for these tissue packets.
I experimented with different fabrics for these two samples.
The gingham is lightweight cotton and the cherry fabric is regular quilting cotton.
The gingham version actually holds more tissues than the cherry fabric version.
The quilting cotton is more “structured” than the gingham and does not allow the
packet to accommodate as many tissues as  the gingham fabric allows.

See how much wider the cherry version has to open to accommodate the tissues?
I love both versions, and I will definitely sew up some more of these sweet packets.
Have you experimented with heirloom techniques or patterns and supplies?
I would love for you to share your experience in the comment section.
Thank you for visiting today.

Sewing for Self

Hello sewing friends!
Here it is December 24 – Christmas is fast approaching!!!
Sometimes, I feel selfish sewing for myself when it is a season of giving to others.
But I know that’s silly!!!
Have you ever given a gift from the heart to a friend or loved one,
only to find out they never used your gift?
I know from Whom my talent comes (James 1:17),
and to show my appreciation
I decided to do some sewing for self this season:
1.  A spring dress
2.  Pajama pants
3.  A bed runner

1.  Summer Jazz Dress pattern by Snapdragon Studios
I’m sorry for not modeling this one, but baby it’s COLD outside!
Most likely March will be the month this one gets to emerge from my closet.
I chose a lovely, hand-dyed batik fabric for this version.
It is soft, lightweight, and flowing.  Love that.
I plan to wear it with navy leggings in the spring,
and I’ll wear it with ‘naked’ legs in the summer along with sandals.
C’mon summer!!!

The pattern is pretty straight forward.
The bodice is a separate pattern piece from the skirt,
and a casing is added to the inside front seam between the bodice and skirt.
Then you insert elastic into that front casing to get the gathering under the bust line.
I used a serger rolled hem to finish off the flutter sleeves.
The fit is nice, I did not make any alterations.
Just stay true to your measurements when choosing your size.
Since the dress is not fitted, a bunch of alterations are not necessary.

The back has a pleat at the empire waist seam line.
I chose to omit the inseam pockets.
Can’t wait to wear this one.

2.  I ordered the ultimate pyjamas kit from Sew Over It in the UK.
The kit included the pattern, fabric, elastic, and ribbon.
Shipping was quick.
I received my order in just 2 1/2 weeks.

I was going to purchase the digital pattern and just download it,
but I also wanted the brushed cotton plaid fabric,
so I figured I might as well just order the kit.
I also purchased the same fabric in the navy/green color.
I’ll use the green fabric to stitch another pair in January.
Can I just tell you – that fabric is delicious!
So glad I purchased two color ways.

Pajama bottoms are so super simple to sew; and this pattern is no different.
I appreciate the added detail of the ribbon in addition to the elastic waist.
The elastic is inserted as usual for an elastic waistband,
but buttonholes are added to the waistband to accommodate the ribbon.
I left the elastic length a little generous – just enough length that the
pajamas sit at my waist without falling down – but then I snug them up with the ribbon.
Great option.

 3.  The Thyme For Friends bed runner was another kit purchase.  This one was from Shabby Fabrics.
My guest room is decorated in lavender and green colors, so this was the perfect addition.
The log cabin blocks went together very quickly.

I used my Block Rockit to quilt the bed runner.  I’m quite pleased with how it turned out.
Merry Christmas Eve and thank you so much for visiting today.

French Country Cottage Inspired Accent PIllow

Welcome back to my little home on the Web, sewing friends!
I’ve always admired French Country decorating
It’s very difficult to find French Country inspired
fabric and supplies here in Utah

One of our local quilt stores does carry a small amount of French General for Moda
That fabric, neutral fabric, red burlap,
and this great machine embroidery design

came together for a beautiful French Cottage accent pillow

The zipper is hidden up there under the burlap ruffle where the two fabrics meet

This one is up for sale at ANotion2Sew – or –
If you would like to make one of your own,
contact me and I would be pleased to share some tips
on how to insert that zipper so nobody knows it’s there
Have a lovely week and please visit again soon.